Bromopride, metoclopramide, or ondansetron for the treatment of vomiting in the pediatric emergency department: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of a single intramuscular dose of bromopride, metoclopramide, or ondansetron for treating vomiting.

Methods: Randomized controlled trial including children 1-12 years of age presenting with acute vomiting at the pediatric emergency department.

Outcomes: Number of children that stopped vomiting at one, six, and 24h following treatment; episodes of diarrhea; acceptance of oral liquids; intravenous rehydration; return to hospital and side effects.

Results: There were 175 children who completed the study. Within the first hour after treatment, all drugs were equally effective, with ondansetron preventing vomiting in 100%, bromopride in 96.6%, and metoclopramide in 94.8% of children (p=0.288). Within six hours, ondansetron was successful in preventing vomiting in 98.3% of children, compared to bromopride and metoclopramide, which were successful in 91.5% and 84.4% of patients, respectively (p=0.023). Within 24h, ondansetron was superior to both other agents, as it remained efficacious in reducing vomiting in 96.6% of children, as opposed to 67.8% and 67.2% with bromopride and metoclopramide, respectively (p=0.001). The ondansetron group showed better acceptance of oral liquids (p=0.05) when compared to the bromopride and metoclopramide. The ondansetron group did not show any side effects in 75.9% of cases, compared to 54.2% and 53.5% in the bromopride and metoclopramide groups, respectively. Somnolence was the most common side effect.

Conclusions: A single dose of ondansetron is superior to bromopride and metoclopramide in preventing vomiting six hours and 24h following treatment. Oral fluid intake after receiving medication was statistically better with Ondansetronwhile also having less side effects compared to the other two agents.

Keywords: Antiemetics; Antieméticos; Clinical trial; Ensaio clínico; Vomiting; Vômito.